Meet the Top Five APC Contenders in Adamawa Gubernatorial Race to Dougire House in 2027.
By Tom Garba,Yola
The race for the Adamawa State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in 2027 is heating up, with several prominent figures positioning themselves to challenge the incumbent PDP administration and reclaim the state for the ruling party at the federal level.
As the 2027 elections approach, five standout contenders have emerged as frontrunners in public discourse and party circles: Comrade (Barr) Mustapha Salihu PhD, Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Galadima Aminu, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, and Abdulrahman Bashir Haske.
These aspirants bring diverse backgrounds; from technocratic expertise and federal service to grassroots activism, philanthropy, and party leadership, each promising to address Adamawa’s challenges in infrastructure, education, security, economic empowerment, and unity across its ethnic and religious divides.
Their campaigns emphasize transformation, inclusivity, and leveraging national connections to attract development to the state. This report highlights their key contributions and potential impact on Adamawa’s future.
Comrade (Barr) Mustapha Salihu PhD
Comrade (Barr) Mustapha Salihu PhD, known as Sa’i Adamawa, is a multifaceted leader whose contributions span labor activism, legal expertise, academia, and high-level APC party machinery, with a deep personal and financial commitment that has significantly strengthened the party’s presence and goodwill in Adamawa State.
As National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the APC, he has played instrumental roles in party reconciliation, cohesion, and electoral strategy across the region, including significant breakthroughs in Adamawa.
Working closely with figures like NSA Nuhu Ribadu, he provided organizational guidance, administrative coordination, and strategic direction to peace and reconciliation committees that resolved internal disputes, facilitated defections, and strengthened the party’s unity and position ahead of future elections.
These efforts have promoted transparency, accountability, good governance, and alignment with national visions under President Bola Tinubu.
A key pillar of his service to the APC in Adamawa has been his substantial financial and material support over approximately 10 years as a dedicated party stalwart.
He personally procured and donated a modern, state-of-the-art 20-room duplex complex equipped with facilities to serve as the new APC secretariat in Adamawa State, valued at over ₦300 million, marking a major upgrade to the party’s operational infrastructure and enabling better coordination, meetings, and grassroots activities statewide. In the same gesture he gifted the party chairman and SUV worth over 100 million Naira at the time donating 100 million Naira for day to day running of the party. He several times donated cash in hundreds of millions to be disbursed to party Executives down to the ward levels.
These donations, often highlighted as transformative gifts to the party, has been praised for anchoring the APC’s renewed momentum and providing a permanent hub for political engagement morale booster to party members.
Comrade Salihu has consistently demonstrated generosity toward party loyalists and communities through direct empowerment and relief initiatives.
He recently donated truckloads of food items; such as bags of rice, maize, and other essentials along with millions of naira in cash to APC supporters and vulnerable groups across various local government areas, uplifting economic well-being and reinforcing loyalty among members.
His youth empowerment schemes have been particularly impactful, with programs benefiting many APC supporters through cash grants, seed capital, and business support; notable phases have seen beneficiaries receive ₦1 million each to expand enterprises or start ventures, inspiring thousands of young people and positioning him as a champion of youth participation in governance and economic opportunities.
Salihu has a very rich educational background, with a Ph.D. in Security and Strategic Studies, MSc in the same field, BSc in Sociology and, LLB and BL. He also has published over 20 internationally recognized academic articles on Security, Politics and governance.
His appointment as the chairman Governing Boards of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and NAPTIP has shown his administrative capabilities. During which he led the agencies through a lot of transformations; like the automation of TRCN processes, return of TRCN to be a funded agency and improvement in revenue generation. For NAPTIP, as the chairman. he improved the inter- agency cooperation, leading to a lot of successful returns of trafficked persons.
His personal background further enhances his unifying appeal in Adamawa’s diverse ethnic landscape. Though from Yola North, his family ties span across various Local Government and communities in the state, viewing him as one them therefore portraying him as a unifier.
Salihu’s grassroots activism through labor movements has advanced workers’ rights and community development, while his PhD Security and Strategic studies (focused on security, peace-building, governance, and institutional development), along with additional qualifications, equips him to tackle complex challenges.
He has donated substantially to community initiatives and during natural disasters, such as; donations to flood victims of Yola South comprising goods worth over 120 million Naira, a ₦50 million to the Huba Chiefdom Economic Summit, demonstrating commitment to grassroots economic growth and empowerment. Donations of an orphanage to women organization in Yola north worth 36 million Naira and a land for the purpose of school construction in the state capital worth over 150 million Naira among other community development efforts. He also recently facilitated the delivery of a power substation worth billions of Naira to Fufore local government which will alleviate the power problems of the area and foster industrialization. Also, the most notable among his efforts is the gifting of 20 thousand Naira each to 1000 small businesses across the 21 Local Governments of Adamawa State. Targeting over 21 thousand people with small businesses.
His efforts in promoting peace, unity, and mutual understanding across communities have fostered social harmony in Adamawa’s diverse landscape.
Supporters describe him as a servant leader with compassion, humility, discipline, and purpose, inspiring youth participation in governance and providing employment opportunities for thousands.
Salihu’s campaign emphasizes unity, servant leadership, brighter futures, security enhancement, governance reforms, economic opportunities, and leveraging party structures for statewide development.
His blend of activist roots, legal acumen, national influence and being the closest political ally to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu among other contestants, along with his reconciliation expertise, and sustained personal investment in the APC and people of Adamawa makes him a formidable unifier capable of building strong institutions and propelling the state forward through principled, forward-thinking governance.
Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Galadima Aminu
Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Galadima Aminu, popularly known as TG-2027 among his supporters, has established himself as a leading technocrat whose national leadership in the energy sector has delivered tangible benefits, particularly to Adamawa State and the North East region.
As the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Galadima has spearheaded extensive human capital development programs that have transformed opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, with a notable emphasis on equitable regional distribution.
Under his stewardship, PTDF has expanded local and international scholarships dramatically, training over 15,000 beneficiaries through postgraduate scholarships, professional development courses, and specialized programs in engineering, geosciences, environmental management, and renewable energy.
Adamawa State has been a significant beneficiary, securing some of the highest slots in the North East zone.
Verified lists of scholarship recipients from Adamawa include numerous individuals who pursued MSc and PhD programs in countries like Germany, the UK, France, and Malaysia, equipping them with world-class skills that can drive local innovation and economic growth upon their return.
Galadima’s initiatives have extended beyond scholarships to institutional strengthening. He has led the licensing and expansion of the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna (CPESK), transforming it into a postgraduate and PhD-granting institution focused on energy-related fields, with partnerships involving UK universities and global organizations.
This vision positions CPESK as a world-class training hub for Africa’s energy sector, promoting research, career progression, and technology transfer.
Additionally, PTDF under his leadership has upgraded 26 university departments nationwide, enhancing infrastructure, ICT facilities, laboratories, and classrooms in disciplines like petroleum, gas, chemistry, and geology.
Public universities in Adamawa, including those in Yola and Mubi, have directly benefited from these upgrades, improving teaching quality, research output, and student outcomes in STEM fields critical to the state’s development.
His contributions have not gone unrecognized. In 2025, Galadima received the Maiden Award for Outstanding Leadership and Human Capital Development from the Speaking Network of Africa Foundation and Prestige Golden Voice Communication at a ceremony in Yola’s Government House Banquet Hall.
Organizers and stakeholders highlighted his impact on leadership development, community growth, and national progress through testimonials, documented achievements, and cross-party acknowledgments of his integrity.
Described as a reliable, intelligent leader with “no enemies” across political lines, Galadima’s federal networks enable him to attract investments, foster international collaborations, and strengthen civil service efficiency—key elements for addressing Adamawa’s infrastructure deficits and economic diversification beyond agriculture.
In the context of Adamawa, these achievements translate into a blueprint for statewide progress.
Galadima’s emphasis on merit-based opportunities ensures inclusivity across ethnic and religious lines, bridging divides in a diverse state.
Supporters argue that his quiet, results-oriented approach, rooted in policy implementation and ethical governance positions him to modernize institutions, draw foreign and domestic investments into agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, and elevate local tertiary education to global standards through existing partnerships.
His campaign promises good governance, transparency, human capital investment, and making Adamawa competitive nationally and internationally.
Endorsements from community leaders and even cross-party figures underscore his reputation for excellence and unity-building.
If elected, TG-2027 pledges to replicate PTDF’s success model statewide, focusing on youth empowerment, economic vibrancy, peace promotion, and institutional modernization to “make Adamawa great again.”
His blend of proven national impact, integrity, and visionary leadership makes him a compelling frontrunner for voters seeking experienced, transformative governance in 2027.
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei stands out as a veteran administrator and education specialist whose extensive public service career has left an indelible mark on Adamawa State’s foundational sectors, particularly education and grassroots development.
His tenure as Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBE/SUBEB/ADSUBEB) was marked by significant advancements in primary education.
He drove widespread improvements in school infrastructure, including the construction and rehabilitation of numerous storey buildings in schools across urban and rural areas, enhancing access and learning environments for thousands of pupils.
These efforts addressed disparities between regions, boosted enrollment rates, and improved teacher training programs, laying a stronger foundation for basic education in underserved communities.
As Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Affairs (and previously Higher Education), Girei advanced community empowerment initiatives, local governance efficiency, and harmonious traditional structures.
He introduced joint accounts for local projects, promoting transparency and inclusive resource utilization that benefited communities statewide.
His policies fostered equitable development, strengthened chieftaincy institutions, and supported tertiary education growth, contributing to overall institutional stability and grassroots progress.
At the federal level, Girei’s role as Deputy Director of Research and Development at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) equipped him with expertise in funding mechanisms that supported nationwide educational infrastructure, research, and staff development.
These insights have had ripple effects in Adamawa, where TETFund interventions have aided universities and polytechnics through grants for facilities and academic enhancements.
His earlier involvement in capacity-building programs, such as collaborations with international partners like the University of Sussex for primary education research, further demonstrates his commitment to evidence-based improvements in teaching and policy.
Girei’s “Adamawa Transformation Mission” builds on these foundations, prioritizing security, health, education, economic vibrancy, inclusive growth, peace-building, and servant leadership.
A massive wave of endorsements from over 1,000 coordinators, APC stakeholders, former governors like Admiral Murtala Nyako, youth groups including the Nigeria Indigenous Languages Development Council (NILDC), community leaders, technocrats, farmers, students, and party figures across local governments underscores his broad appeal.
Supporters describe him as a humble, integrity-driven bridge-builder with a track record of never disappointing constituents, capable of delivering “indelible performance” and winning primaries decisively.
Grassroots movements have intensified, with declarations and massive rallies at APC secretariats highlighting his visionary leadership and commitment to equitable development.
At 54, Girei’s deep local roots in Girei LGA, combined with federal exposure, enable balanced policies that tackle rural needs while attracting national resources.
Key promises include revitalizing education at all levels, boosting agricultural productivity for food security and jobs, enhancing security through community engagement, improving healthcare access, and fostering peace across divides.
His quiet yet impactful style appeals to voters prioritizing proven service, unity, and tangible legacies in a state facing multifaceted challenges.
Girei’s blend of administrative achievements, widespread endorsements, and transformation agenda positions him as a strong contender for inclusive, results-oriented governance that can unify Adamawa and propel it toward sustainable progress by 2027.
Abdulrahman Bashir Haske
Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, widely regarded as the “light of Adamawa,” “Youths’ Governor,” and “Man of the People,” distinguishes himself through extensive philanthropy and private-sector-driven community support that addresses immediate hardships while building long-term empowerment.
His most prominent contribution is the massive Ramadan outreach via the AB Haske Foundation, which distributed over 80,000 bags of rice (including 10kg, 25kg, and 50kg variants), thousands of bags of sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and other essentials across all 21 local government areas.
Accompanied by ₦220 million in direct cash assistance, 10 vehicles, 50 electric motorcycles, and support reaching approximately 10,000 families (over 50,000 individuals), this intervention provided critical relief during economic challenges and the holy month of fasting.
Residents have hailed it as “action beyond promises,” sparking widespread commendation for its scale, reach, and sincerity in alleviating poverty and food insecurity.
Haske’s humanitarian efforts extend beyond one-off distributions, demonstrating consistent commitment to vulnerable populations, youths, women, and rural communities.
Through his foundation, he has empowered beneficiaries with tangible aid, fostering goodwill and unity in a diverse state.
His private-sector background in agriculture and investments informs a structured approach to leadership, emphasizing vision, courage, planning, compassion, and results.
The slogan “Making Adamawa Great Again” (MAGA 2027) captures his pledge for economic revitalization, job creation, agricultural modernization, and inclusive governance that breaks cycles of division.
Portrayed as a rising, intelligent leader who transcends ethnic and religious lines, Haske advocates for youth inclusion, women’s empowerment, and community-driven progress.
His energetic, relatable style—evident in public engagements, celebrations of milestones, and interactions bridging politics with youth culture—appeals to younger voters seeking renewal.
Philanthropy like gifting vehicles and motorcycles to beneficiaries builds trust, positioning him as genuinely people-centered rather than politically motivated.
If successful, Haske aims to prioritize structured policies for youth empowerment, women’s advancement, agricultural innovation for food security and exports, security through community ties, and equitable development that unites Adamawa’s groups.
His fresh perspective and demonstrated compassion offer hope for immediate-impact leadership in a state needing renewal from traditional politics.
As a compassionate unifier with a track record of tangible support, Haske represents a path to prosperous, integrated progress driven by sincerity and action.
Alhaji Bello Ibrahim Hong
This is another hopeful Governor of Adamawa state who believes the 2027 election and the Dougire powerhouse of the state he will occupy to liberate the state in all pheres. Bello is a Young international business Man who has chains of his business conglomerates in Transportation and logistics, Real Estate, mining and general contractors. Bello has Indicated interest with much enthusiasm to eradicate poverty, with one of the cardinal agenda to bring education to the door step of all in the state.
Bello in recent times visited the twenty one Local Government areas of Adamawa state where he made known his intentions, consulting critical stakeholders of every local government. His tours to all the areas made Bello empower Youth, Women and less privileged with business capital, agricultural inputs for raining and dry season. He is no doubt one of the men full with desires to get the ticket to be the next Governor of Adamawa state.
In summary, these five contenders represent a vibrant APC field, each with unique strengths to potentially deliver transformative governance in Adamawa by 2027.
The race will hinge on party dynamics, grassroots support, and ability to unify the state.
Tom Garba, PhD (In view),ANIPR
Is TGNews Publisher in-chief
Lives in Yola and be reached through this man’s; 08030525759, tomgarba5@gmail.com
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